Very deep purple-black in color, the 2011 Ribbon Vale Vineyard Merlot has aromas of crushed blackberries, mulberries and iodine with a balsamic, herb and earth-laced undercurrent. Though it has plenty of chewy, textured black-fruit flavors on offer in the medium-bodied palate, it has a suggestion of astringency and bitterness, but ends up finishing with good length. Drink it 2015 to 2022+.  89+ Points.

August 2014